Edge tracking using tactile servo

A novel method to perform edge tracking using tactile sensors is presented in this paper. Using the tactile servo scheme, a robot manipulator is driven only by real-time tactile feedback from the array tactile sensors mounted directly on the robot end-effector. Compared with previous approaches, the control scheme presented in this paper is consistent and more efficient. Real-time edge tracking experiments are conducted using an experimental system consisting of a PUMA 260, a single rigid finger and a planar array tactile sensor. Experimental results show satisfactory control speed and accuracy for both straight and curved edge tracking. An example of active tactile sensing of a unknown object using edge tracking is also demonstrated.